Activists protesting the Western Highway duplication at Buangor celebrated a small victory during the week, with an understanding being made for works not to begin for several weeks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Aboriginal Elder Aunty Sandra Onus said lawyers for the Djabwurrung community came to an agreement with Major Road Projects Victoria on Wednesday night to not start works on the highway until after 5pm on April 22.
"Major Roads decided to stop works and have given our lawyer an undertaking the area is safe until at least after April 22," she said.
"We are hoping to persuade the judge at a hearing on April 15 for a further time frame from there.
"We are hoping we may get further stop-work action until we can all sort this out between ourselves and Major Roads."
READ MORE: Highway protesters clash with police
Work was planned to commence on the Western Highway duplication at Buangor on March 19, but more than 100 activists stood firm to halt any machinery onto land they argue is culturally significant.
The agreement comes during the same week a 48-hour declaration of protection had been issued.
Aunty Sandra there will still be a presence at two camps on the highway despite the understanding with Major Roads.
"Some people will go home and some will stay but there will be a presence in each camp until then," she said.
"I'm very pleased with the decision of course but there is still much left to play out."
As the situation continues to unfold, Aunty Sandra said a letterbox drop was made in Ararat during the week, trying to sway the general community sentiment which is against the activists.
"We put a letter in each Ararat letterbox. It was a facts and myths letter to try and clear things up for the community," she said.
"There were several points raised but the main one was telling the Ararat people it is a myth to say there are no cultural heritage values attached to the area we are protecting."
A Major Roads Project Victoria spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment on the situation at this time given it is currently the subject of court proceedings.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.
